Pueblo law enforcement says Shield 616 vests would make officers more effective

Shield 616 has helped departments equip themselves with top-notch protective gear all throughout southern Colorado ever since they formed in 2015.

This year, they set their eyes on helping officers and deputies in Pueblo County.

In Pueblo County, some are not equipped with the best protective gear available, gear some say can greatly protect law enforcement, especially in active shooter scenarios. Shield 616 aims to change that.

“We do have vests that we provide them but those are limited to the calibers that they can stop,” said Cpt. Leroy Mora of the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. “With these new vests, it gives them a little more protection for a higher caliber rifle.”

Shield 616 wants to give deputies and officers like Cpt. Mora active shooter kits. These kits include things like fully equipped vests, helmets, and first aid kits…all designed to save lives on the spot.

To obtain these kits though, the price tag is not cheap. The kits retail for $2,000.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office tells KRDO these vests are designed to better protect their deputies from bullet fire coming from high power rifles like these AR-15’s.

“I think it will make (deputies) more effective,” said Cpt. Mora. “They do a great job already with the equipment we provide them. But I think it would just give them that added peace of mind knowing that if they go into a situation, say it’s an active shooter, they have that extra level of protection the vests and helmets provide.”

Shield 616 have armed departments all over southern Colorado, including the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Springs Police Department. Now, it’s the Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office’s turn to receive the kits and they could not be more excited.

“Sheriff Taylor is thankful for the community in rallying and helping raise the funds. Shield 616 is really going up and down Southern Colorado to make sure all first responders are receiving this equipment, so we are very pleased with that.”

The goal for Shield 616 is to give up to 400 kits for both departments. However, they need your help to meet that goal. You can donate here.

Also, all day on February 7th, be sure to join us on News Channel 13 for the “Protect the Protectors Telethon” where you can truly make a difference by donating to Shield 616.